Darren Lockyer said before his record-breaking 350th NRL game for Brisbane on Friday night, that he knew fairytales didn't always come true.

But a dream finish to his stunning career edged a little closer as Brisbane brushed aside North Queensland 34-16, stamped themselves as legitimate premiership contenders and gave their skipper a memorable win on what was a special night for him in Townsville.

"I'm realistic enough to know fairytale's don't always come true," said Lockyer before becoming rugby league's most capped player.

But after dumping the Cowboys he'd changed his tune a little when asked again about his team's chance of repeating their effort in 2006 and going all the way.

"I think we've got a chance if we stay fully fit," he said.

"I know we were 20 points off the Storm the last time we played them, but for 60 minutes (of that game) we were in it.

"We'll take a lot of the bad (things) out of the last two weeks and keep pushing forward ... hopefully get better as the finals draw closer."

Rookie coach Anthony Griffin was full of praise for his captain who has had a massive couple of months, breaking the Origin playing record and now claiming the NRL mark.

"He controlled the ball when things were spiralling out of control a little bit at times," said rookie coach Anthony Griffin.

"He gave us that control we needed.

"He was magnificent on such a big night for him."

Lockyer hasn't forgotten his young side was soundly beaten by Melbourne just a few weeks ago.

But he knows from winning four premierships just what is required to get the job done and you get the feeling Lockyer senses the Broncos can take their form to a higher level in the coming weeks.

Brisbane now have one eye on second spot which would give them a double chance once the serious stuff starts in September.

If third-placed Brisbane can beat Newcastle and South Sydney in the next fortnight and then knock over Manly in Lockyer's emotional farewell to the fans day at Suncorp Stadium in round 26, second place will be the prize.

Brisbane could have representative prop Ben Hannant (hip flexor) and winger Jharal Yow Yeh (a late withdrawal from the Cowboys win with an ankle injury) back for next weekend's clash with Newcastle.

The Broncos escaped Friday night's game without any additional injuries and have 10 days to recover and repair for their game against the Knights.

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